The win is Middaugh’s fifth straight here on his home course (he lives a mile from the start line) and his third in a row on the XTERRA Pan America Tour this year. For Paterson, the two-time XTERRA World Champ, it’s her first XTERRA victory of the year and in her first try on this course.

MEN’S RACE

The men’s elite race got off to a furious pace with reigning XTERRA World Champion Mauricio Mendez coming out of the 67-degree waters of Nottingham Lake 20-seconds ahead of Branden Rakita and Brad Zoller. Middaugh was the eighth man out of the water about 1:40 back of Mendez.

From there Mendez pushed the pace on the bike and still had more than one-minute on Middaugh after the first four miles and 2,000 feet of climbing.

“Mauricio has gotten so strong in every discipline, I just had to turn myself inside out on the bike,” said Middaugh, who posted the fastest bike split of the day in 1:09:36, nearly four minutes quicker than Mendez and Sam Long. “I’ve never done this bike course that hard.”

The hometown hero finally caught Mendez at about mile 12, “but he put up a really strong fight,” said Middaugh. “I finally got a little gap I think because I know this trail so well I was able to put a little time on the twists and turns and was able to get a little cushion heading into the run.”

It turned out Middaugh would need that cushion, as he crossed the line in 2:07:00, just 41-seconds ahead of Mendez who put in the fastest run split of the day (35:41 to Josiah’s 36:58).

“I’m worked, more so than I have been in a long time,” said Middaugh. “The way I race, I go so hard on the bike the run is sometimes a crapshoot. I feel like I’m a strong runner but sometimes it’s not there when I give everything on the bike. Today was one of those days, and at altitude that makes it so much harder, you don’t feel like you have it and you just have to go to a really dark place and dig a little deeper.”

For Mendez, just to give the champ a good fight was all he could ask for.

“It’s beautiful to race him,” said Mendez. “He pushed me to my limit, and I feel great to start the second part of the year in good form. I wanted to know how I’d do on the mountain bike and I think it went well, I have to work a little harder on the technical stuff, and it’s going to be a lot of work for Utah and Maui, but I’m super excited.”

Sam Long, who finished 2nd at this race last year in his elite debut, finished in third place five minutes behind Mendez.

“I went a minute faster than I did last year and I was third, but those two guys are the best in the world so I’m happy with that,” said Long, who is a 21-year-old like Mendez and in his last semester of college (CU) as a double major in physiology and psychology. “I had a decent swim, a minute faster than last year, pounded the bike hard but not enough to get up with Josiah and Mauricio so I found myself in third all by myself by that first aid station and that’s where I was the rest of the day.”

Brian Smith caught 12 guys on the bike and Branden Rakita and Ben Hoffman on the run to move into fourth place, his second fourth-place showing in as many races.

“Trying to hang with these young boys isn’t easy,” said Smith. “I thought I might get top three because I got Ben and Branden on that first climb of the run and I was feeling really good but Sam is so fit. I’ve got a little work to do for the next couple races, but Josiah (his coach) has been doing some great things for me so it’s just a matter of sticking to the program and keeping it rolling.”

Ironman great Ben Hoffman finished 17-seconds ahead of Rakita to round out the top five. It’s Hoffman’s sixth straight top 5 finish at this race.

“I drew blood, so it’s an official XTERRA,” said Hoffman, pointing to a cut on his forearm. “I love doing XTERRA and getting out here. It’s a different kind of suffering. It feels like an Ironman packed into two hours, especially up here. The altitude really stings, and it kinda feels like you’re going in slow motion. It was good to bust the cobwebs out and get back into racing for the second half of the year, and nice to test myself against the best guys. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a factor at the front of the race today. I would like to put a focus on XTERRA one year to see what I could do, but right now, the focus is on trying to win Kona.”

ELITE MEN RESULTS

Pos

Name, NAT

Time

Points

1

Josiah Middaugh, USA

2:07:00

100

2

Mauricio Mendez, MEX

2:07:41

90

3

Sam Long, USA

2:12:38

82

4

Brian Smith, USA

2:14:42

75

5

Ben Hoffman, USA

2:17:13

69

6

Cedric Wane, TAH

2:17:30

63

7

Branden Rakita, USA

2:17:55

58

8

Mario de Elias, ARG

2:19:34

53

9

Veit Hoenle, GER

2:19:42

49

10

Ryan Ignatz, USA

2:20:17

45

11

Kieran McPherson, NZL

2:20:35

41

12

Thomas Spannring, USA

2:21:07

37

13

Joshua Merrick, USA

2:30:59

34

14

Michael Nunez, USA

2:37:03

31

15

Taylor Charlton, AUS

2:37:28

28

Also: Ian King, Brad Zoller

PATERSON UNTOUCHABLE TODAY

The “Scottish Rocket” Lesley Paterson called upon her alter ego “Paddy McGinty” to push her to perfection on the dirt today.

She was third out of the water just 25-seconds behind last year’s winner Julie Baker and two-seconds back of Suzie Snyder, passed Baker in transition, passed Snyder on the cart path less than a kilometer into the bike, and rode away from there. She had the fastest bike split of the day, a 1:23:04 (next best was Suzie Snyder’s 1:28:26), the fastest run of the day, a 41:42 (again five minutes faster than Snyder) and finished with a winning time of 2:26:07, nearly 10-minutes ahead of Snyder.

“This course is my perfect course, I wish this was the Worlds’ course,” said Paterson. “I’m smaller, I love climbing, I love the mountains, I love the people, I just love everything about this course. Everything felt good today and its been a while since I’ve felt that way. I just had a lot of gratitude and joy, even though “Paddy” was out there fighting, I had a great time out there today. The body responded this week, and I’m so grateful. I’ve had many ups and downs, so when you feel good like this it makes all the hard work worth it.”

Despite the big lead, Paterson said she gave it everything.

“For me its’ about pushing and fighting all the time and never giving up so regardless of where I’m at, in the front or at the back, I want to feel like I’m committed to the race every single second.”

Snyder finished in second place for the second time this year. She’s won the other four races she’s done, and despite being stronger than everyone but Paterson, is still frustrated to not have found an answer to this course.

“I had such a good attitude and I was relaxed, but this course just doesn’t like me,” smiled Snyder. “I was trying to stay calm early on and hope that I could find a rhythm and gain strength but through the whole bike I didn’t feel too strong. I couldn’t eat anything, my stomach was a mess, I couldn’t breathe, I wanted to throw up, and on the run I was suffering really bad. It happens every year and I don’t know what to do about it. But that’s not to take anything away from Lesley, this is her kind of course. Her power to weight is amazing, she just flies. And, I know this is not my strength of a course so I’m happy with second.”

Julie Baker, last year’s ‘surprise’ winner here on this course, finished in third roughly two minutes behind Snyder, and was thrilled with her performance.

“It feels really good, I can’t believe it and third is amazing,” said Baker. “These women are so awesome. I rode behind Suzie for a while on the bike and she gradually pulled ahead but just to know that I’m getting to the point where I can stay with her for a while, it feels really good.”

Morgane Riou from France was solid all day and finished fourth, saying “this altitude is not for me,” after the race, while Kara LaPoint rounded out the top five.

ELITE WOMEN RESULTS

Pos

Name, NAT

Time

Points

1

Lesley Paterson, GBR

2:26:07

100

2

Suzie Snyder, USA

2:35:50

90

3

Julie Baker, USA

2:38:19

82

4

Morgane Riou, FRA

2:41:02

75

5

Kara LaPoint, USA

2:43:27

69

6

Emma Garrard, USA

2:51:58

63

7

Annie Bergen, CAN

2:54:04

58

8

Heather Zimchek-Dunn, USA

2:59:13

53

9

Jessie Koltz, USA

3:05:14

49

10

Caroline Colonna, USA

3:07:22

45

ALL TIME PAST XTERRA BEAVER CREEK CHAMPS

Year

Man

Woman

2017

Josiah Middaugh

Lesley Paterson

2016

Josiah Middaugh

Julie Baker

2015

Josiah Middaugh

Flora Duffy

2014

Josiah Middaugh

Chantell Widney

2013

Josiah Middaugh

Shonny Vanlandingham

2012

Conrad Stoltz

Shonny Vanlandingham

2011

Josiah Middaugh

Danelle Kabush

2010

Nico Lebrun

Shonny Vanlandingham

2009

Nico Lebrun

Shonny Vanlandingham

MIDDAUGH MIDDAUGH

Of note, Josiah Middaugh’s 13-year-old son Sullivan won the XTERRA Sprint race this morning, and at the award ceremony Josiah said “that’s amazing, and I’m so happy for him. I heard that he won it when I was in transition, and from there I just felt like I couldn’t let the family down. I had to win. What’s funny is Sullivan is a lot closer in age to Mauricio (8 years apart) than I am (17 years apart) so maybe I can start relaxing pretty soon and hand over the torch to him to chase Mauricio.”

“Great,” replied Mendez with a smile. “I’ll never get rid of the Middaugh’s.”

RAKITA, SNYDER STILL ATOP PAN AM TOUR AFTER SEVEN

Branden Rakita, Jean-Philippe Thibodeau, and Josiah Middaugh are still the top three men in the Pan Am Pro Series standings, but with the win Middaugh closed the gap quite a bit. With three races remaining, XTERRA Mexico, Dominican Republic, and the finale in Utah, anything can happen. Kieran McPherson moved up three spots into the No. 4 position with Karsten Madsen rounding out the top five.

In the women’s chase Suzie Snyder built on her commanding lead at the pole position, Kara LaPoint is still strong in the second spot, and Morgane Riou jumped three spots from No. 5 to No. 3, leapfrogging past the Brazilians Sabrina Gobbo and Laura Mira Dias.

TACK, EVANS WIN AGE GROUP TITLES

Brett Tack from Boulder, Colorado and Genevieve Evans from Carnelian Bay, California captured the overall amateur titles this morning. Tack led nearly from start to finish and crossed the line in 2:23:10, more than five-minutes ahead of runner-up Garren Watkins and 13th overall ahead of several elites. Evans crossed the line in 2:43:53, nearly five-minutes in front of Anne Nevin and 6th overall ahead of several female elites. In addition, dozens of the fastest age groupers from around the nation qualified for the XTERRA World Championship based on their performance today. We’ll have the full story on the amateur race in next week’s XTERRA Tribe News. Here’s a look at today’s age group winners:

FEMALE AGE GROUP CHAMPS

Division

Name

Time

Hometown

15 – 19

Heather Horton

3:08:15

Draper, UT

20 – 24

Sarah Horen

3:34:01

Avon, CO

25 – 29

Katarina Marks

2:53:34

Durango, CO

30 – 34

Amelia Vonesh

3:11:08

Avon, CO

35 – 39

Courtney Kaup

2:57:45

Richmond, VT

40 – 44

Genevieve Evans*

2:43:53

Carnelian Bay, CA

45 – 49

Lisa Isom

2:54:12

Edwards, CO

50 – 54

Margo Pitts

3:15:55

Raleigh, NC

55 – 59

Janet Soule

3:13:44

Davis, CA

60 – 64

Martha Buttner

3:19:59

Boulder, CO

65 – 69

Jo Garuccio

4:03:04

Sandy, UT

PC

Christy Williams

4:29:22

Littleton, CO

MALE AGE GROUP CHAMPS

Division

Name

Time

Hometown

15 – 19

Benny Smith

2:40:15

Glenwood Springs, CO

20 – 24

Nelson Hegg

2:31:54

Boulder, CO

25 – 29

Victor Manuel Arenas

2:34:49

Itagui, Columbia

30 – 34

Brett Tack*

2:23:10

Boulder, CO

35 – 39

Benjamin Lokie

2:43:19

Gunnison, CO

40 – 44

Garren Watkins

2:28:27

Boulder, CO

45 – 49

Rife Hilgartner

2:35:44

Denver, CO

50 – 54

Grzegorz Zgliczynski

2:37:51

Highland Ranch, CO

55 – 59

Charlie Wertheim

2:40:42

Carbondale, CO

60 – 64

Johnny Davis

2:58:12

Boulder, CO

65 – 69

Laurence Goddard

3:55:19

Los Alamos, NM

70 – 74

Mike Judd

4:48:37

Ogden, UT

PC

Andre Szucs

3:24:50

Encinitas, CA

* TOP AMATEURS

2017 XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING SERIES

XTERRA Beaver Creek was the seventh of 10 races on the XTERRA Pan Am Tour, and 25th of 40 on the XTERRA World Tour where amateur athletes from around the world can qualify to race at the 22nd annual XTERRA World Championship in Maui on October 29.

SPECIAL THANKS

The 2017 XTERRA Beaver Creek Championship was presented by Paul Mitchell and Beaver Creek Resorts. Sponsors include the Utah Sports Commission, Outrigger Resorts, Muscle Milk, Gatorade Endurance, Suunto, XTERRA Wetsuits, XTERRA Fitness, XTERRA Boards, Oofos, City of Avon, and Beaver Creek mountain lodging. Special thanks to all the great locals, volunteers, mountain ops, and medical staff for an amazing job. This great event would not be possible without their generous support.

For XTERRA Pan Am Champ Johnny Davis, 64, XTERRA Beaver Creek is more than just another race. It’s even more than a chance to race with his heroes. For Davis, XTERRA Beaver Creek is a celebration of his second chance at life after suffering a debilitating illness four years ago.

In 2013, Davis overcame a major health challenge that kept him in the hospital for nine months. He lost 25 pounds and much of the strength he took for granted as an expert skier and Ironman triathlete.

“I was no longer capable of much,” Davis admits. “But the surgeons who worked with me knew I needed oxygen in my body and brain. And the fastest way to do that was to start exercising again.”

When Davis left the hospital and returned to Boulder, his friends began coming by to visit and encourage him.

“My cycling friends would come up my driveway and say, ‘Get on your bike. We’re going around the block.’ Then they would come the next day and we would ride two blocks. They took me to the pool and we would run on the trails.”

After several months, Davis reclaimed the strength and balance to follow his friends into the Rockies on his mountain bike.

“My friends introduced conversations of hope back into me,” says Davis, with emotion. “They told me what was possible in the future and they said, ‘Let’s get you fit enough to go into the mountains.’ Once I was back on the single track with my friends and strong enough to ride my bike, I thought, I know I can take this farther. That’s when the XTERRA boys showed up.”

Both men share a love of the Rockies and of nature, which Davis, a native of Hawaii, believes is the best healer.

“Getting off the roads and into the wilderness on my bike is like getting into the ocean and diving into the coral reefs. You’re back with your ‘One.’ I just had no idea it would help save my life.”

Now, Davis admits that XTERRA has become extremely important to him. “It’s so much a part of my second chance.”

Almost one year from the day he walked out of the hospital, Davis won his age group at the 2014 XTERRA World Championship in Maui. In 2015 and 2016, he was second. Now, Davis wants his title back – but he’s also facing some tough competition from his peers.

“I’m at the top of my age group this year and now have competition from previous XTERRA world champs who have moved up,” said Davis. “This year will be my chance to see if I can compete with the longtime XTERRA athletes I’ve read about. To even step in the arena with athletes like Tom Monica and Peter Dann is big. I’m completely thrilled to have that chance.”

Monica was the 55-59 age group champ at XTERRA Beaver Creek last year, and in May, he was the 60-64 age group champ at XTERRA Oak Mountain. Dann won the 60-64 age group at XTERRA Beaver Creek in 2015 and was the XTERRA world champ in that age group that same year.

“For the first time, the actual threat of not getting a spot in Maui is on my horizon,” said Davis. “Good thing I love rising to challenges.”

And yet, it’s clear that Davis isn’t just talking about climbing to the top spot on the podium.

“My story is a true story of the support humans give each other. It started out with a ride around the block. Then pretty soon, my whole life came back to me because of my friends.”

http://www.xterraplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Johnny-Davis-e1499965437260.jpg17072773pcloydhttp://www.xterraplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/NEWlogoHorizontal340x156.pngpcloyd2017-07-13 09:39:592017-07-13 09:57:40Johnny Davis Has Friends In High Places

Alaska’s only XTERRA event is also one of the longest running. On July 22nd, XTERRA Hammerman will kick off its 17th year in Kincaid Park in Anchorage. The half-mile swim, 13-mile mountain bike, and 4-mile trail run allow you to experience some of the most amazing nordic ski trails in the country.

For those who want to pass on the swim, The XTERRA Hammerman Duathlon takes place at the same time as the off-road triathlon – a 1.8 mile run is substituted for the swim.

Race director Andy Duenow is so thorough that he offers three different guided pre-rides of the course several weeks before race day.

“We will show you the entire bike course and point out where the run course goes in and out.We gear each pre-ride to the slowest riders and stop frequently to talk about sections of the course and regroup,” said Duenow. “Separate ‘hot laps’ are offered for those who want to hammer.”

On July 8th, Rob Ricard and Amy Carver prevailed on a very hot day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both athletes are having an excellent season. Ricard won XTERRA French River on June 24th, and this is Carver’s 4th overall female win of the season. She won XTERRA Myrtle Beach in April, and XTERRA Knoxville and XTERRA Tsali in June. Perhaps more remarkable is that Carver has only competed in five XTERRA races in her life.

“The 2016 XTERRA Whitewater was my first ever XTERRA,” said Carver. “I initially signed up to try something different and ended up loving the culture. It’s competitive, but XTERRA athletes are much more laid back and helpful compared to any type of racing on the road. I like to race and train as an outlet to life, but I want it to be fun too.”

At XTERRA Whitewater, Ricard finished in 2:13:21, about eight minutes ahead of runner up Caleb Baity, and ten minutes before Marcus Barton. Ali Arasta was fourth in 2:25:11.

Carver finished in 2:49:45, about seven minutes in front of runner up Spryng Briggs. Morgan Garcia was third in 3:05:46.

It’s always fun to watch XTERRA Southeast races because of the core group of dedicated athletes who swap podium spots throughout the series and seem to bring out the best in each other.

Caleb Baity has been mentoring 15-year old Joseph Urbanowicz, who finished 12th overall, just behind Yaro Middaugh. And Marcus Barton – who may be one of XTERRA’s most consistent athletes – will help anyone who asks. Yaro Middaugh, Ali Arasta, Amy Carver, Angie Childre, Christine Grant, and Derek Tingle are among the regulars.

“Marcus has been instrumental in mentoring me on how to train and compete off road as I was clueless when I started,” said Carver. “I was also fortunate to meet Caleb Baity this year and he has done the same. It’s amazing the passion you see from those two.”

Barton was thrilled for Carver’s win at XTERRA Whitewater and boasted that she was one of his “Rabid Muffin Monkeys.”

“Caleb and I wanted to race the local winter mountain bike series,” said Barton. “It was team-based and we decided to recruit a few people. All the other teams were something like ‘Joes Bike Shop’ or ‘Something Racing.’ I wanted a name that showed we were in it for fun and not so serious. So we became the ‘Rabid Muffin Monkeys.'”

What started as a team of six is now a team of 40.

“We’re still a goofy bunch and we have a blast heckling the other riders during races,” added Barton. “A lot of the monkeys are already XTERRA athletes, but monkeys – being very persuasive with others – have pulled a bunch of newbies into the XTERRA fold. One example is Jen Barthel who did her first XTERRA at Myrtle Beach and just completed XTERRA Whitewater this past weekend.”

The annual summer classic attracts the best elite racers from the U.S. and around the world.

In the men’s race all eyes are on the highly anticipated showdown/rematch between 38-year-old XTERRA legend Josiah Middaugh, the 2015 XTERRA World Champion who lives and trains right here in Beaver Creek, and 21-year-old phenom Mauricio Mendez, the 2016 XTERRA World Champion from Mexico City.

“Having Mauricio here changes the dynamics of the race and will make it a suffer-fest right from the start,” said Middaugh, winner of the last four races at XTERRA Beaver Creek. “I’m going to have to go hard and make up time early on the bike because with a guy like Mauricio if I don’t make the catch by the run, it’s not going to happen. Mau has raced here before and is not afraid of the altitude since Mexico City is at similar altitude, and he’s one of the fastest all-around guys in the game right now.”

For Mendez, who finished third the last time he raced here back in 2014, having the opportunity to compete against “the master” in his own backyard is a dream opportunity.

“I am craving the dirt as never before,” said Mendez. “To be here in Josiah’s hometown is very special. I have always admired Josiah, and learned a lot from him over the years. For me, I just want to cross the finish line knowing that I gave it my all and see where I stand. I’ve learned that everything is about the moment, the opportunity, and I am here to make something special happen.”

Other big names in the men’s race include a pair of Boulder’s best with Ben Hoffman, who has placed in the top four here five years in a row, and Sam Long, a 21-year-old who finished runner-up to Middaugh in his XTERRA debut last year.

“I always love to include a little XTERRA during my season, and the race in Beaver Creek is the perfect option to throw my hat in the ring against some incredible athletes close to home,” said Hoffman. “With both World Champions from the last two years toeing the line in the mountains of Colorado, I’ll have a perfect opportunity to test myself against the best off-road guys, and jump start the second half of my season. The XTERRA atmosphere always gets me fired up and it’s the perfect change of pace for me during a season of long course racing. It’s the ideal balance of pain and pleasure racing with such a beautiful backdrop while the legs and lungs burn in the thin air. With an eye on defending my Kona-Maui Double crown yet again, I wanted to punch my ticket in Beaver Creek and get a little more experience before the big race in Hawaii later this year.”

As for Long, who is in his last semester of college (CU) as a double major in physiology and psychology (he threw in a business minor for fun), he’s just “stoked” to do this race again.

“I love XTERRA’s, they really are kinda my thing since I grew up as mountain boy and still love nothing more than spending time up high in the mountains. When I race XTERRA I find I can push myself harder and get into a flow state very easily. I just spent two weeks in Crested Butte doing a high-altitude camp so I am feeling prepared. I also feel my mountain bike skills are dialed in, so hopefully I can do as well, if not better : ) than last year. I’m up against the best in the world with Josiah and Mauricio and Ben and all the other guys. I love racing Josiah, he is one of my idols both in and outside of the sport. I dream of having a similar career and lifestyle as him (personal trainer/triathlete).”

While Josiah, Mauricio, Ben, and Sam are the “favorites” there are a dozen other elite men in the field with big credentials and possibility, including but not limited to Pan Am Tour No. 1 Branden Rakita from Colorado Springs, who finished second here in 2013, Veit Hoenle, a German star from the European Tour, the reigning XTERRA Thailand Champ Kieran McPherson from New Zealand, and perennial XTERRA mountain specialists like Ryan Ignatz and Brian Smith.

“With all the talent in this field on Saturday I’m going to have to be on,” said Middaugh. “To have the best racers in the sport come to your home turf and have the chance to race them here, that’s what athletes dream about. Now I just have to rise to the occasion.”

Pan Am Pro Series Rank – Name, Age, Hometown

1 – Branden Rakita, 36, Colorado Springs, Colorado

3 – Josiah Middaugh, 38, Eagle-Vail, Colorado

7 – Kieran McPherson, 25, Matamata, New Zealand

10 – Ian King, 27, Virginia Beach, Virginia

11 – Ryan Ignatz, 38, Boulder, Colorado

13 – Cedric Wane, 31, Papeete, Tahiti

17 – Brian Smith, 41, Gunnison, Colorado

20 – Michael Nunez, 36, Salt Lake City, Utah

24 – Veit Hoenle, 25, Savannah, Georgia

NR – Taylor Charlton, 25, Brisbane, Australia

NR – Mario de Elias, 32, Boulder, Colorado

NR – Ben Hoffman, 33, Boulder, Colorado

NR – Sam Long, 21, Boulder, Colorado

NR – Mauricio Mendez, 21, México City, Mexico

NR – Joshua Merrick, 35, Fraser, Colorado

NR – Brad Zoller, 39, Avon, Colorado

STACKED WOMEN’S FIELD SET FOR SATURDAY

The women’s elite field is filled with intrigue as last year’s surprise winner Julie Baker returns to defend her title against two-time XTERRA World Champ Lesley Paterson, reigning Pan America Tour Champion Suzie Snyder, and a long list of other contenders.

“I’m excited to race at Beaver Creek again,” said Baker, a soil scientist by trade who won the amateur XTERRA world title in 2015 then turned in a stunning performance to win this race in her pro debut last summer. “It was amazing to do so well last year and if it was a big surprise to my competitors, it was an even bigger surprise to me.”

As for her thoughts on “defending” the crown, Baker said “I think Suzie and Leslie are kind of in a class above me right now, but you never know what can happen if someone has a bad day or a mechanical. So, I would be surprised to win again, but don’t think I’ll just give up and roll over! I think I’ve been training well with some help from Josiah and Middaugh Coaching this year and my bike is probably the strongest it’s ever been. I’ve also been getting in some serious heat training (not by choice) here in California, and I’ve been healthy leading up to this race, so I hope I won’t feel as miserable on the run as I did at Oak Mountain. I think the Beaver Creek course is more suited to me, with more climbing than Oak Mountain. I remember when I first started competing as an amateur a few years ago I would compare my times to the pro women and every single one had way faster bike times than I did. I mean like 20 minutes faster. I’m still amazed that I am competing against these women and not doing too terribly. I don’t know exactly who else will be there on Saturday but the other U.S. girls who are consistently on the podium like Maia Ignatz, Kara LaPoint, Emma Garrard, and Liz Gruber are also strong and I expect a good challenge from them.”

Suzie Snyder, who was 2nd here last year, has been on fire this season and sits atop the Pan America Tour standings once again following wins at XTERRA Argentina, Costa Rica, Oak Mountain, and just last weekend, XTERRA Victoria.

“Vail is going to come quick, and I don’t know I’m ever REALLY ready for it, but I’m going to do the best I can to recover over the next few days and go into it with as much energy as I can find,” said Snyder. “I’m mentally preparing for a tough day as usual. Beaver Creek is a race that always brings out some surprise competitors who do really well, in addition to the usual suspects who are strong climbers. For me, the most challenging part of the course is the altitude. Racing above 8,000ft just makes me feel like I don’t have the same strength and power so it can be more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Fortunately, I’ve gotten pretty good at overcoming mental race frustrations and pushing through so I don’t let that affect me too badly during the race…it just makes me dread the lead up to it!”

When it comes to the mental aspect of the profession, Lesley Paterson wrote the book on it … literally, it’s titled “The Brave Athlete” and is a brain training guide for athletes. She’ll do a book signing for all those lucky enough to be in Beaver Creek on Friday at 4pm. This will be her first time on this course, however, so she may have to write another chapter after Saturday’s race.

“I’m so excited to race here in Beaver Creek as its my first time! Can you believe it? From all I’ve learned it’s the most brutal and gorgeous course ever and I think the type of terrain that suits me – steep climbs and dry rocky descents,” said Paterson. “Suzie has been killing it this year so she will be hard to beat but I’m up for the challenge! The mind and body have been doing better this last month so I’m ready to fight it out true Braveheart style :)”

2015 XTERRA USA Champion Emma Garrard is back in the mix after another couple months of training (she gave birth to her second child in January) and is always a threat, Maia Ignatz has risen to the level of serious contender over the past two seasons, and Kara LaPoint sits second in the Pan Am Pro Series standings.

“Beaver Creek is a beautiful but very difficult race because of the altitude and elevation gain,” said Garrard. “I have been training the past two months at altitude and am fitter than Oak Mountain and ready to push myself harder, which is easy to do on this course. Although I still have a ways to go in my return to racing postpartum. The last time I raced it was in 2015 and it was my best performance that year, so if I could be less than 10 minutes slower than my time then I will be happy.”

The dark horse has to be Morgane Riou from France, who finished second at XTERRA Victoria last weekend and has finished in the top four at all seven races she’s done this season.

The elite race starts at 9am MST on Saturday, July 15, and you can follow it live on twitter @xterraoffroad #xterrabeavercreek

More than 100 races in 30+ countries and XTERRA Beaver Creek tops them all.

Colorado’s high country during the summer time is something to behold with its big blue skies, white aspens, majestic mountain ranges and cool, fresh air. It’s simply beautiful and Beaver Creek Resort in Avon, host to XTERRA Championship racing since 2009, enhances the experience with world-class facilities and people.

Then there is the course itself which is an absolute beast, boasting the highest elevation of any major on the XTERRA World Tour.

It starts with a mile swim in the cold waters of Nottingham Lake situated at 7,400-feet elevation. Nottingham is just big enough to get a full mile swim with 2 laps, and Buck Creek flows into the reservoir so even though the lake is small, the water temp rarely tops 70 degrees.

The next step involves roughly 15 miles of mountain biking that climbs 3,500-feet into the thin air of the Rockies. The first climb on the bike gains 2,000 vertical feet in five miles.

The bike course peaks out at above 9,400 feet above the Arrowhead and Bachelor Gulch ski slopes, then turns into some well-maintained single track that switches through the aspen trees and works its way to the village-to-village trail and down to Beaver Creek Village.

The final piece of resistance is a calf-burning, six-mile trail run which breaks down into essentially two challenging climbs that each have over 500 vertical feet of climbing (roughly 1,050ft for the course).

Appropriately, America’s best XTERRA athlete and reigning XTERRA World Champion Josiah “Beast Mode” Middaugh calls this place home, and has won the last four races here.

“What I like about this course is the fact that you have to dig deep and push yourself. There is no easy way around it, so you’ll have to test your limits to meet your goals,” he said.

This year, XTERRA Ionia is adding two trail runs to its 4th annual off-road triathlon and duathlon. The duathlon and triathlon will be held on July 22nd and the trail runs will be held on July 23rd.

XTERRA Ionia Off-Road Triathlon and Duathlon

The triathlon features a half-mile swim, a 12.5 mile bike leg, and a 3.4 mile run.

“The swim starts on a large beach so athletes won’t feel crowded,” said race director, John Ploeg. “The transition is also roomy, and the first half mile of the bike course is on a wide path to allow everyone to settle in. Then it’s five beautiful miles of pure single track.”

Newly constructed rail trail brings the course distance up to 12.5 miles and provides two distinct riding surfaces. The 3.4 mile run circles Sessions Lake on wooded single track with plenty of hills and foot bridges.

The duathlon – also held on July 22nd – begins with a two-mile, out-and-back course, which features single track trail. Then, athletes complete the same bike and run course as the triathletes do.

XTERRA Ionia Trail Run

New this year, you can choose between a 3.4 or 6.8 mile run. The longer run includes two loops of the same 3.4 mile course featured in the triathlon.

“Whether you just want to run, or you want to cap your XTERRA off with another go of our amazing trails, we are excited to be offering two XTERRA Trail Runs this year.”

The Ionia State Recreation Area is northwest of Lansing and northeast of Grand Rapids. Ionia is known for the Ionia Free Fair, held this year from July 13-22nd. If you arrive a few days early to XTERRA Ionia, you can experience one of the traditional summer fairs the Great Lake Region is famous for.

To learn more and register for XTERRA Ionia and the XTERRA Ionia Trail Run, visit www.XTERRAionia.com.

Nestled around Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park is a rural playground for mountain bikers and trail runners alike. The park has wonderful single track – both wide and tight – mowed paths, and a few old roads. Located northeast of Knoxville and just north of the Great Smoky Mountains, Panther Creek has a rich history dating back to the 1700’s.

XTERRA Panther Creek Half Marathon & 4.2 Mile Trail Race – July 29th

XTERRA Panther Creek 4.2 Mile CourseMost of the run course resembles that of a cross country course. The most technical part of the run occurs near the halfway point after a wooden bridge crossing, but then gives way to open fields and rolling hills. A great course for beginner trail runners.

XTERRA Panther Creek Half Marathon
The half marathon course starts off on the same trails as the shorter trail race but then migrates to the more technical and scenic parts of the park. A good portion of the half marathon course runs along the shoreline of Cherokee Lake before tackling the lesser known areas of Panther Creek State Park when rolling hills give way to steady climbs.

The 800 meter swim will be held in the namesake Panther Creek. Swimmers will navigate a two lap, clockwise course before exiting for transition. The paved boat ramp will provide athletes with a safe and quick exit from the water.

The 13-mile bike course starts from the paved parking lot at the Panther Creek Boat Ramp and immediately heads to the single track trails of Panther Creek State Park. The single track trails vary in difficulty as they make their way around the park. Riders will cross the entrance road twice on each lap, providing spectators the chance to cheer on athletes. There are plenty of opportunities for faster riders to pull ahead, as some of the main trails are wide enough to fit side by side with another cyclist. The bike course has its challenges, but it is a very good course for first time participants.

The 4.2 mile run course (the same course as the trail run) shares the bike course for the first stretch before breaking off and exploring the other side of the park.

Karsten Madsen and Suzie Snyder captured the XTERRA Victoria Championship titles on a gorgeous day around Durrance Lake in British Columbia, Canada this morning.

It’s the second straight win in Victoria for Madsen and the fourth victory this season for Snyder, the reigning XTERRA Pan America Tour Champion. Both Madsen, from Canada, and Snyder, from the U.S., led from start-to-finish and took the tape with winning times of 2:08:36 and 2:29:35, respectively.

“It was nice to defend and get my 3rd career major title for sure,” exclaimed Madsen. “I pushed the first lap of the swim then settled in for the second loop. I’ve committed a lot of time to riding BC single track and I was very confident in my technical riding so I was able to stay on the pace of the days best ride (Chris Ganter had the fastest bike split of the day with a 1:05:29, three seconds quicker than Madsen). On the run, I felt relaxed and strong and just stayed focused on making smart decisions. I take a lot of pride in racing in Canada and always want to defend home soil. I’m thrilled to get the win.”

Jean-Philippe Thibodeau (CAN) and Branden Rakita (USA) finished second and third in the elite men’s race, while Morgane Riou from France passed last year’s Victoria Champ Katie Button (CAN) on the run to take the runner-up spot in the elite women’s race.

For Snyder, her first trip to Victoria was a memorable one.

“I absolutely LOVED everything about it,” said Snyder. “The area is beautiful, the people are extremely friendly, and the race course was AWESOME! The swim was a lot like Alabama, clean and clear and the perfect temperature for a non-wetsuit swim. Also, a really great mountain bike course that used a double track regional trail to link up to a lot of fun single track which was rather technical so you had to have some power and good skills to ride everything clean. The run had a good variety with a short flat, smooth section, some root strewn rolling terrain and a couple long tough climbs and tricky downhills where you had to be really mindful of your footing.”

Three-time XTERRA World Champion Melanie McQuaid also put on quite a show, not as a racer, but as one of the race announcers. She’s gearing up for Ironman Canada but will be back in the dirt for ITU Cross Tri Worlds in Penticton and hopefully again for XTERRA Worlds. Here she gives us her thoughts on the day’s elite races…

Karsten was pretty much in his element and really was the class of the field for the men. Same with Suzie, both were the strongest without question winning wire to wire.

In the men’s race it was all Karsten, all day. He was first out of the water, had a 3′ lead off the bike and built on it. Branden and JP had a great battle for 2/3 with Chris Ganter and Mike Vine coming in 4th/ 5th off the bike. Chris Ganter was solid in fourth but he spent a little too much time enjoying Durrance Lake to be a factor with the guys up front. Mike Vine made the blunder of choosing not to wear a top at all because of the swim skin rules and got DQ’d for too much brawn on display. This eliminated what might have been a good battle with Cedric Wane from Tahiti who rounded out the top five. Kieran McPherson had a crash on the bike and I sure hope he is okay!

In the women’s race, Suzie had a huge lead coming out of the water and never felt any pressure. She never would know that Morgane Riou was running three-minutes into her at the end of the race. Katie Button came off the bike second and held Morgane for a lap of the run which was really impressive as Morgane is an extraordinary runner, really beautiful to watch. Up and comers Zoe Dawson from Squamish and Kara LaPoint from Truckee were in the same swim group and caught Ladina Buss from Switzerland on the bike. Zoe’s run got the better of Kara so she was fourth and Kara held fifth.

What I thought was the story of the day was 16-year-old Tate Haughan from Fort St John. He was the top age group athlete overall, matched Ironman legend Tom Evans’ swim, and had a bike time matching Branden and JP. Look out for that kid – he would have been fourth overall today!

All in all, we had perfect weather, a great vibe, and fun racing. It was fun to be a part of it all, and I hope to see you all next year!

RAKITA, SNYDER STILL LEAD PAN AM PRO SERIES

Branden Rakita and Suzie Snyder held strong to their top spots in the XTERRA Pan America Tour with their performances today.

Thibodeau and Middaugh also stayed put at No. 2 and No. 3, with Madsen jumping past Gonzalo Tellechea into the No. 4 spot, and there was no change in position at all among the top five women.

XTERRA Victoria was the sixth of 10 races on the XTERRA Pan America Tour, and 24th of 40 on the XTERRA World Tour where amateur athletes from around the world can qualify to race at the 22nd annual XTERRA World Championship in Maui on Oct. 29.